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October 16, 2014 by Lizzie

Tina & Dan’s “Murphect” Meadowbrook Wedding

Tina….oh, I know you have been waiting for this blog post, and I hope….I hope it does not disappoint.

We finally met you when I waddled up to a table to introduce myself at Bell’s in Kalamazoo, and after talking for a short time, I knew I liked you and would be excited to be a part of your wedding day.

Then came your wedding day……well, rehearsal dinner day. I witnessed a beautiful ceremony and a marriage being founded in faith. I liked you more. And that Dan guy, well, he was pretty Murphect.

Saturday comes, and the flurry of hair, makeup, purple track shoes to match your purple robe, tasty color-coordinated treats…..I knew I enjoyed your color palette.

The veil that went on for hours and hours….le sigh.
The dress that was classic and gorgeous….details to dream of.
The floral that was as unique as you are…..perfect.

But then that ceremony came, and I heard words pour from your and Dan’s hearts, and I saw you weren’t just someone to be liked – – you were someone to be loved.

And I saw that all night long – in so many ways. I saw the way your friends loved you, and how they all spoke of you and Dan was something truly well, honoring. That’s the best way I can think to say it. Your friends honored you. Not with their presence, not with just standing beside you as you spoke your vows, but they honored you with their words. Every story told about both of you, every word uttered about you just made me LIKE. YOU. MORE. (I promise, this really isn’t creepy.)

Being a part of your wedding wasn’t just about taking some beautiful pictures….which we did do. It was about seeing the lives of two great people come together. It’s no wonder you liked each other. It’s beautiful that you learned to love each other. I heard why, over and over.

So I could write about how Meadowbrook was the perfect setting for a beautiful summmer wedding. I could gush on and on about your floral selection, ooh and ahh over your veil, but I felt like the most fitting thing was to gush over you and Dan. Being a part of your day was special because you two are special….and we are so glad you found each other.

Keep liking, and keep loving each other. You do it so well.

All our love….

Lynell, Dan (and Ellie!)

: Meadowbrook wedding

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September 20, 2013 by Lizzie

Lexi & Jeff’s Wilderness Wedding – Upper Peninsula wedding photographer

I’m going to start this post with a warning. It’s going to be LONG. Way more images than normal, more text. Long. But worth it.

See, Lexi is my former assistant. For two full wedding seasons she was my right hand, and sometimes, my left hand too. I interviewed her over the phone and it was done. Instant connection, instant friendship. Little did I know then how much she would impact my life.

Every Saturday morning was a car ride of philosophical discussions, laughter and tears over relationships & friendships, jokes about how many coffee cups I had in the car that week. Lots of red vines licorice.

I had never met someone who was so responsive to my needs that she knew them often before I did. She fetched, she carried, she supported, she really was the best assistant. When she told me she was moving to Florida, I was excited for where her life would go – but I was sad it was moving away from me. But it was good. It was so good. Because she was going with Jeff.

When Lexi started dating Jeff, things changed. She was happier, more energetic, and made some changes with him that took this amazing girl and made her even more confident, open to life, and all around spectacular. I definitely approved of this guy.

As I watched their life unfold on facebook, and eagerly awaited updates as they backpacked across Mexico & Guatemala, I knew at some point I would get “the call” saying he had proposed.

It came. And she asked if I would be a part of her day – and she would move it to whatever day worked for me, and she would make it pretty for me….see…again, there she was still being Lexi. Doing something for ME. I appreciate that, but I also love that even though she spent countless hours growing & making her own decorations to have beautiful things to photograph, what she did was cover that entire wedding in touches of herself.

She is organic.

She is a woman of growth.

She is grounded.

She is life.

And she and Jeff together are wild & passionate and full of life. Their wedding day was a perfect picture of them.

It started just like any other wedding day for us….except nothing like it. We woke up as the rain pounded down on our tent, in the field with everyone else who was at the wedding. We slushed our way down to the outhouse, then gathered around the camp fire.
And checked the radar. Lots and lots of rain…but eventually, it would move.

The good thing about a small wedding where everyone has traveled is you can easily make adjustments.

So we did.

The girls went into town to get ready at a hotel, and as soon as I walked in, I slapped a card down on the counter and asked for a room. Maybe I’m NOT cut out for the most rustic camping ever….and my gear, well, it certainly wasn’t! As the girls got ready, Dan and I went downtown Houghton and had a fabulous fish lunch, and then headed back out to Lexi’s grandparents’s house (look up Superior Shores Road, Atlantic Mine, MI on the banks of Lake Superior WEST of Houghton for a few pre-ceremony photos (and a first look that was not a first look)….and the ceremony overlooking Lake Superior.

The bridesmaids collected wildflowers from the field across from the wedding site and made floral crowns and bouquets. I had made Lexi’s bouquet earlier from field flowers, ferns, and some flowers from the neighbor’s yard. The piece of bark to hold it all together tied the entire thing together.

It was short, sweet, and totally magical.

In fact, a BALD EAGLE FLEW OVER IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.

I mean, COME ON! Where else would that happen???

After the ceremony & a few more photos while the strangely warm Lake Superior waves crashed on the shore, we went back to the field for the reception. So many details….so much beauty. So much energy was poured into that location, that was days before just a field.

The details – there are so many. All of them were created with objects Lexi & Jeff made from family treasures, or plants they grew (and took home & will eat or nurture). I think what I loved best is so much was reused for the wedding – and will be again. Or it was grown. Or hand made. An heirloom. Even the trail mix she made came in jars that can be reused for canning. The jars also kept the bears from getting into the tasty treats. Yes, the bears.

Oh their rings – even THOSE were repurposed, as they were both family rings, and the bands were made by one of the bridesmaids from Lexi’s grandmother’s wedding ring. Repurposed, refashioned and absolutely beautiful. Take a time to look at all their details and see just how much love and attention was given to each part of it.

The food at their reception – incredible, and all grown by or made by (or both) the groom, including the homemade thimbleberry jam and freshly baked bread AND the wedding cake! We all laughed together, and ate until we were uncomfortable, and celebrated two people who are SO LOVED by so many.

Lexi, thank you for being in my life. I’m grateful for every moment I’ve ever had with you. Jeff, take care of her. Or else I’ll make her come make me take care of you (as only a good assistant can do for me).

Love you both!

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May 22, 2013 by Lizzie

Beth & Ernie Married – Michigan wedding photographer

What seems like just a few weeks ago I posted a little blog about Beth and Ernie. This past weekend, May 18th, marked their beautiful southern Michigan wedding – full of laughter, friends, fun, and tricks on how to make your chin look beter in photos. 🙂

First of all, I have to say I’ve adored Beth since I met her, and meeting her friends only solidified my belief that she is just the sweetest person. Her friends love her truly & deeply, and well, Ernie adores her. As Izzy said (Ernie’s daughter) when she saw Beth for the first time, “My dad is going to LOVE YOU.” She’s right. He is.

From a surprise tuxedo, to constantly being concerned that she was having the best day EVER, it was clear he wanted to show Beth he was not just marrying her, he wanted to lavish her with love. Oh, I love love love seeing that stuff.

Dan and I rolled up late morning to the most AMAZEBALLS location – her sister Cari’s house – a beautiful old farm house, huge landscaped yard, and gasp, a POND IN THE BACK!!! Oh, and did I mention it was full of lovely little antiques? It was a photographer’s paradise. Well, this photographer’s idea of a paradise.

Because of a few minor delays, and just wanting to enjoy where we were, we changed a lot of plans to make the day go smoothly, and to do the first look on this beautiful property. After a few sweet moments together, our bride & groom met up with their wedding party to begin their celebrations.

From there we headed down to their wedding ceremony, at the First Presbyterian church of Three Rivers, a beautiful site for a beautiful ceremony.

AFter a lot of smiles, some tears, we packed up and headed back to the beautiful property where a lovely outdoor reception was set up. Between the pond, the sweet wildflowers in hand-decorated vases all over the tables, and glittery eggs (Yay, glitter!) that announced when your table went to eat, and oh oh oh, the cupcakes. Oh, were those tasty. And gluten-free, so it was ok to eat more than one, right???

The whole day was just so filled with love. Their friendships are strong (and their friends are GREAT), their families are adorable (Beth’s dad….well, if you were there, you know).

All in all, it was an amazing way to kick of 2013’s official wedding season. I can only hope the rest are nearly as good as this one was!

Beth, Ernie & Izzy – we loved being a part of your day, and wish you a lifetime of love & magic (and rainbows, and glitter, and unicorn and princesses….)

I know you want to have another wedding & reception today, Beth, so maybe this will do for you (click the image or the link below for a whole lot of fun!).

To view more of their images check out their preview gallery here: http://lizziephoto.pass.us/previewbethernieblog/

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May 18, 2013 by Lizzie

invited to the party – michigan wedding photographer

Part of the fun of being wedding photographers is getting invitations from couples. A few of them we request so we can have them on hand to photograph the day of the wedding, and some are just sent to us as surprises. Regardless of how we receive them, it’s so fun to see the many different styles – and to see our clients’ personalities come out in their invitations & save the dates. (Plus it’s also neat to see Mr. and Mrs. Dan & Lynell Miller on them now – bonus!). If we don’t have yours yet, we’d love to see it. I have saved one very special one for later – Valerie & Donte’s – it’s very unique & beautiful, but they haven’t gone out yet, so I don’t want any guests to see it from me first!

As we kick off our official season this morning with Beth & Ernie’s wedding, here’s a peek at our lineup and some of the pretty invites we’ve received so far:

Beth & Ernie – May 18

Brittany & Alan – May 25

Kim & Alban – June 1

Kate & Ryan – June 2

Alexa & Mark – June 7

Kim & Eric – June 8

Lisa & David – June 22

Nancy & Robert – June 29

Amanda & Aron – July 6

Nicole & Riley – July 27

Marissa & Phil – August 2

Dana & Dave – August 3

Valerie & Donte – August 10

Gwen & Chris – August 17

Katherine & Zach – August 24

Deb & Kenneth – August 30

Lexi & Jeff – September 1 (Yay! My former assistant is getting married!!!)

Sim & Steve – September 9

Ashley & Brad – September 14

Brittany & Andrew – September 21

Shawntel & Rob – September 28

Katie & Joe – October 5

Harper & Philip – October 19

Paulita & Chris – October 26

Marlee & John – November 1

I’ll also be assisting the lovely Amy Carroll a few times this summer, which means a few more of my weekends will be busy, but filled with fun! Dan will get a little break and will make Zeus (our dog) feel like he’s not totally alone in this world!

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May 1, 2013 by Lizzie

beth-ernie-michigan-engagement-photography

Each couple that becomes part of the lizzie photo story is special. Each and every one. There are so many stories, lives, backgrounds, and so many different expressions of love. When I met Beth & Ernie earlier this year, I saw a very real expression of their love: respect.

Wedding planning is hard. Marriage is fun (but fun/hard). I’m learning this each and every day….sometimes by trial….sometimes by error. But one thing I learned in the short time I had with Beth and Ernie as they are planning their own wedding is that respect was a big part of their love for each other.

I was floored when Ernie excused himself from the package negotiations because he wanted Beth to have exactly what she wanted without any influence from him. He respected her decision – whatever that was going to be. And she respected him enough to not go “ok, now that he’s gone, let’s really talk.” It was a mutual respect. Maybe they don’t see it, but I did. I’ve told the story several times now because it really touched me.

As we headed out for their engagement pictures last weekend, on what ended up being a snowy Sunday morning (snow? in APRIL??), I saw it again. The communication, the interaction, and the love. While our session was cut short because giant puffballs of snow were attacking us from every direction, it was beautiful. It was fun. It was cold, but it was fun.

Beth & Ernie – we’re excited to share May 18 with you – and to capture the memories you will make. And Izzie….well, you are going to be SO MUCH FUN!!

With love & RESPECT – Dan & Lynell

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April 17, 2013 by Lizzie

Waiting & Anticipating – Kathy & Mark – West Michigan Wedding Photographer

Kathy and I first met years ago at Mars Hill. We learned each other’s stories over time, and together we have shared in some very joyous and very heartbreaking memories. We have shared in f new love, and cried over lost love. Though I’m no longer at Mars Hill, I cherish the days when Kathy and I (and Tina, her Matron of Honor) served together in the counseling ministries. It was a time of challenge and growth, and it formed deep bonds. But that’s not hard with Kathy. She is so utterly loveable.

Through all changes & challenges life brought there has always remained something steadfast in Kathy. She is a child of God. She is loved. And He has great plans for her. Maybe somedays weren’t as easy as others to remember that, but thankfully Kathy has friends who remind her to continue to believe, and encourage her along the way. That’s where Mark comes into the picture. Mark is here because a good friend (and the other Matron of Honor) reminded Kathy to believe. 😉

Mark is gentle. He is loving. He is full of faith, and He was prepared for Kathy, for this day.

I know I don’t need to tell the world how amazing she is….but she’s amazing. Even the morning of HER wedding she took time to pray over ME, to counsel me, and to be a loving friend. That’s just how she is. It was a joy and honor to be part of preparing her for someone who lavishes her with the love so so greatly deserves.

Seeing her as she waited was not unlike waiting with any bride…she was eager…she was both peaceful and excited. But sharing those moments with her, with someone so special to me, I will treasure forever.

Kathy & Mark, be blessed. Thank you for allowing us to share in your celebration of love.

Dan & Lynell

Reception Venue: Bay Pointe Inn, Gun Lake

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March 21, 2013 by Lizzie

Julie & Troy – Grand Rapids wedding photographer

Anyone who knows Julie & Troy well loves them well. It’s really not that difficult. They are genuine, loving, loyal and a lot of fun.

I’ve known Julie for quite a few years now, through some ups, through some downs, a journey of self discovery and a lot of blood sweat and tears. She is by far one of the most amazing women I know. Right after their wedding I posted a picture of her and asked people to use words to describe her. The responses couldn’t come back fast enough and were all fitting. You can find it here on our facebook page.

Their wedding was simple, beautiful, and emotional. Surrounded (literally) by their friends and families, they made their promise to love each other throughout life & time, through trials & joys, and to be a source of mutual love and respect for each other. There weren’t many dry eyes in the room!

And then we danced. We all danced. We celebrated, and we raised a joyful noise to honor them. It was a riot.

Troy and Julie, you are beautiful people. Your beauty is internal and eternal. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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December 30, 2012 by Lizzie

Tatiana & Alex – South Bend wedding photographer

First of all, let me state for the record that there is rarely a wedding I don’t enjoy being a part of….that being said, Tatiana & Alex’s November 10 wedding was absolutely a riot! Unlike most weddings, I was not the only professional hired. Alex’s uncle Greg, a very VERY good photographer from Ohio, would be handling the ceremony & formal portraits, whereas I was hired to capture the details, getting ready, a pre-ceremony and all the fun!

Dan and I arrived in the morning to spend time with Tatiana as she prepared for the Skop Ceremony, in which the ‘bride price’ is negotiated. Now before we get too far into this, I must state that this is a Serbian family with deep and beautiful traditions. Being a part of this time was such fun for us, and nothing either of us had ever experienced before! As family and friends gathered around, Alex’s friends/family negotiated for Alex to be able to marry his bride. (There really isn’t enough money/gifts that could cover the worth of this woman…she’s precious!).

Once the bride price was decided, Tatiana was whisked away as Mom and Dad watched her drive off (just a few tears were shed here). We all followed to join them at the church, a beautiful, ornate Serbian Orthodox church. More beautiful than the church was the ceremony, full of tradition, symbolism, and of course, the joining of two lives together. As Uncle Greg took the lead, Dan and I were afforded the ability to just relax, observe, and share in this beautiful time. It was nice having time to stay off my feet….because little did I know, I was going to need them later!!

As the guests exited the church, Dan and I came to realize that Serbian weddings are a LOT of fun. It’s a celebration unlike any you have ever seen! While waiting for the wedding party, guests began dancing in the parking lot to the amazing live Serbian band. They also began (or continued?) passing around a tasty pear brandy, which we were forced to try a few times. Forced. (Not really forced, but I think you all know that.)

The reception was simply an extension of the party that started earlier. The dance floor was never empty, and thanks to the graciousness of Alex’s mother, I learned to dance my first Kolo (circle dance). My favorite part of the kolo was taking part in a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. In fact, Tatiana and Alex first met because of Kolo dances!!!

Usually as I near the end of wedding season, the end of the night for me comes early. With this one, it was just so fascinating to be a part of it that we stayed late in to the evening, being taught the history of Vodka, a few songs, and that ultimately, Serbian weddings are FABULOUS and FUN!

Tatiana and Alex, we wish you a lifetime of quick feet and steady hearts…..

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October 3, 2012 by Lizzie

{Dan & Audrey} – Grand Rapids wedding photographer

The majority of my blog posts start with words of happiness and joy….this one is going to be a little more somber to start. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Dan’s family on the loss of his step-mother, Tonya Reagan, who passed away unexpectedly the day after the wedding. Our hearts hurt with yours, and we pray for healing, understanding, and peace for all of you in this difficult time.

I hope these images bring you some joy in the meantime, for Dan & Audrey’s wedding was one filled with joy & laughter – for it was a true celebration of love. I didn’t get to meet Audrey until two days before the wedding, and Dan on the wedding day, as they live in Denver, Colorado. I adored her immediately, and spending time getting to know her and her mother, Deb, was a treat. They are an Air Force family (near and dear to my own heart!), and I understand full well what it’s like to live far away from your loved ones. This was not only a wedding, but a reunion for them.

Saturday morning started with a last minute bridal shower for Audrey, then she and I met at the salon while she relaxed and got all gussied up for her big day. Off to her hotel room to capture some beautiful details, and a little mini-shoot just for Dan (no sneak peaks here folks!). As Audrey’s bridesmaids finished getting ready, we took the short trek from the Amway Grand hotel (during Art Prize no less) over to Fountain Street Church, where Audrey & Dan would speak their vows.

After a very touching ceremony, a couple of horse-drawn carriages took the wedding party around the block for a quick trip. We (in the second carriage) would all like to thank our horse for the lovely “send off” he gave us….it was memorable, that’s for sure.

Some family photos….some group photos…and some lovely moments with just Dan & Audrey (and me and Dan). It was hard to stop taking photos of these two…I mean COME ON. Does it get much more beautiful? And a uniform? Sgt Swoon in the house!

One of the things I loved about this wedding & reception were all the goofy & fun moments shared between Audrey and Dan. I tried to get some sweet/standard/classic photos of the cake cutting, but was blocked by Audrey’s apparent love of cake. And she REALLY loved that cake. There were so many times for laughter, mustaches, and even a little flash mob-dance that Audrey’s family orchestrated!

So while the weeks following this beautiful wedding have brought many tears, I hope that the joy shared by Audrey & Dan will be remembered by the family friends as they view these images.

Audrey & Dan – thank you for being so fun to work with (even though I kept calling you Andrew all afternoon!). We had a blast…and who knows, maybe a trip to Denver IS in order some day!

– Lynell & Dan

Wedding Venue: Fountain Street Church

Reception: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Gerald R. Ford Room

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September 28, 2012 by Lizzie

{Tracie & Steve} – Chicago wedding photographer

Ask any librarian where to find a good love story, and they will point you in the right direction. Ask THIS librarian (Tracie) where to find a good love story, and chances are she’ll be able to tell you a great one over a cup of coffee.

Which is where their love story began…over a cup of coffee…..a conversation, an interest, and some time later, a celebration of love.

When Tracie and Steve first contacted me, it was via email, and we didn’t have the chance to meet in person. Through the interwebs, I got to know Tracie a bit better over the past year, but Steve was still somewhat of a mystery (that’s in a different section of the library).

What I learned about Steve during the course of their day was that this man is the type of character you hope to read about in a book – kind, loyal, loving, and an easy person to get to like.

Tracie is someone I’d love to sit and talk with over cup after cup of coffee…..to talk about books, life, learning and loving.

To put it lightly – I really liked these two. There’s a sweetness in them that is so beautifully reflected in each other, and was in their wedding day.

Their friends and family joined them in the park where they walked on their first date….and where Steve proposed, and where they said their “I dos.” Then because Tracie had a book to return…just kidding…because she’s a librarian, we went to the local library – Arlington Heights Memorial Library – for some fun photos “in the stacks.” I kept saying “in the stacks” because I wanted to sound cool. I hope it worked. What WAS cool was the fun way Steve & Tracie looked at each other, and the obvious love they have for each other. Oh, and Susie from the library had this adorable table with the yummiest cupcakes for them!

Steve then graciously agreed to get in the Alpha Romeo they had rented, to visit the coffee shop from their first date, then a lovely park I ran in a year ago and knew would be gorgeous…and was.

Again, Steve agreed to drive the car to their intimate family-style reception at Francesca’s, a tasty little Italian restaurant. While Steve and Tracie wowed us all with their first dance, the band wowed us as they belted out some fabulous tunes!

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with you, and wish you a love story that goes on for volumes and volumes…